Library Training Institute

Twenty six students from across the state attended this year's institute. Attendees learned about children's programming and services, including training in early literacy programming for parents and caregivers and creating makerspaces for young patrons.

About Institute

Coordinated by the South Dakota State Library, the Library Training Institute is a four-year program of continuing education for South Dakota-based library practitioners, support staff and trustees of small public libraries. The program requires week-long attendance at four different Institute modules with successful participation in selected online coursework during the fall and winter months in between the June sessions. No prior formal library science education, or previous college attendance, is required to attend.

Institute participants can start the program at any point in the curriculum, but must complete four-year program of continuing education that includes on-campus and off-campus requirements in seven (7) years. Institute instructors provide in-depth classes in: the foundations of public library service; public library administration; services to the public; collections; cataloging and metadata; and technology. Students earn college credit from South Dakota State University, and after completion, are recognized as certified public library practitioners.

Scholarships are limited and also based on your need.

If you have any questions contact Kathleen Slocum at the South Dakota State Library. You can email her ( ) or 605-773-8438 or 1-800-423-6665.